Picture-perfect, mellow, quiet, Ramgarh (not of the Sholay fame) is a little hamlet in the scenic Uttarakhand. Amidst the quiet hills, and lush orchards, a neighbouring lake, and with an expansive view of the snow-capped Himalayn ranges, the hamlet is a revelation for travellers looking for an offbeat destination to unwind. Ramgarh, an erstwhile British cantonment, has also been a retreat of few of the top literary figures of India, such as Rabindranath Tagore, Mahadevi Verma, Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’, and is also the place where many ashrams have been established, because of the serenity the place affords. It all makes Ramgarh a versatile getaway with a scope to relax, as well as explore.
The “Fruit bowl of Kumaon”
Credits: Flickr
Ramgarh is known as the ‘Fruit bowl of Kumaon’, owing to the density of fruit orchards in the area – from apple, peach, plum and apricot – even the main town area is teeming with them. Fruits are exported from here to other states.
What is it famous for?
Rabindranath Tagore, Credits: Wikimedia
Apart from the stunning, subtle beauty, Ramgarh holds a place in the literary circles of India. The world famous poet Rabindranath Tagore lived here for 6 years, and it is claimed that he wanted to set up Shantiniketan here, but then chose his home state Bengal. It is here that he came to write, and in fact penned down a part of Geetanjali. Hindi poet laureate Mahadevi Verma too stayed here, and her home is now a library and a museum. The patriotic writer Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’ and Sachchidananda Hirananda Vatsyayan also lived here. Ramgarh, unknown to the usual tourist, is a discovery. Even today, many writers are known to visit it and stay here for months to pen down their works.
Attractions
Nanda Devi, Credits: Wikimedia
Fruit orchards, River Golu, Tagore Hill. Ramgarh affords an uninterrupted view of the Himalayan ranges – Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli are visible on clear, sunny days. If lucky, you can also see Pindari glacier, Nandakot, Mount Kamet and Nandaghunti. The famed Nainital is also nearby, a day visit away. There are interesting bungalows with colonial architecture spread across the hamlet.
How to reach
By Air- Pantnagar Airport (84 km)
By Rail- Kathgodam Railway Station (55 km)
By Road- Delhi (330 km)
Best Time To Visit?
April to June: Peak summer in the plains, is actually the most pleasant time to visit the hil station.
July to September: During the monsoon, the hamlet comes to life. The rainfall is moderate, so one can easily traverse around.
October to March: Is winter time, and those who don’t mind the chill in the air can still made a dash for Ramgarh.
To experience Ramgarh firsthand, stay at
